breast density

The problem with mandatory breast density reporting laws

Technology oracknows | June 14, 2015

Over the years, I've written a lot about the intersection between the law and science in medicine. Sometimes, I support a particular bill, such as SB 277. Sometimes I oppose a bill, such as right-to-try or laws licensing naturopaths. The case I will discuss here is unusual in that it is a case of the law getting ahead of what the science says in a manner that will likely do little, if any, good for patients, cause a lot of confusion until the science is worked out better, and end up costing patients money for little or no benefit. I am referring to laws mandating the reporting of high-breast-…

Dense breasts are not just an interesting attribute, wish I'd known the cancer risk

cmonforton | August 7, 2012

I feel dense for not knowing this important public health fact: women with extremely dense breast tissue are at least four times more likely to develop breast cancer. Over the years, I've had my routine screening mammograms with stellar results.  No evidence of cancer in my two mammary glands.  I've heard radiology technicians comment about my dense breasts, but I thought it was an interesting attribute like droopy breast, or perky breasts or double D breasts. In December 2011, just before my 50th birthday, I was overdue for my routine screening mammogram.  I felt a little guilty for putting…